1. Marina Bay Sands

A super-hotel that has become a symbol of Singapore. Even while it was being built, it was clear that there was nothing else like it in the world. The architects took a bold risk and placed a giant ship-like structure atop three high-rise towers. Up there is a luxurious pool, and taking a photo in its waters is every tourist's dream.

2. Merlion

This unusual monument with a lion's head and a fish's body is Singapore's enduring mascot. It may look strange to some, but locals see special meaning in this combination: it represents the lion's courage and strength and symbolizes the country's close connection with the sea. What's more, the Merlion is not just a statue but a working fountain. It is 8.5 m tall and weighs an impressive 70 tons. Figures of this creature can be found in different parts of Singapore, but the main statue stands on the waterfront in the business district.

3. Gardens by the Bay

Singapore owes much of its unofficial nickname, the “garden city,” to this amazing park. Across its 101 hectares are magnificent gardens filled with trees, flowers, and shrubs gathered from all over the world. But what impresses visitors most are the 18 supertrees – special structures that help maintain the perfect microclimate in the gardens. Like ordinary plants, they can “absorb” sunlight and rainwater needed for growth.

4. Esplanade Theatre

One of the most unusual theater buildings in the world. The Esplanade consists of two giant hemispheres made of glass and metal. From the outside they resemble the spiky skin of the tropical durian fruit, while inside everything is fitted out with the latest technology. One hemisphere houses a theater, the other a concert hall. The building also contains two studios, a shopping arcade, and another theater – this time open-air.

5. Clarke Quay

This is a favorite place for walks not only among tourists but also among locals. Along the quay you will find numerous shops, souvenir stalls, craft workshops, and all kinds of bars, cafés, and restaurants. Many of them are set up right inside boats moored by the bank. For thrill-seekers there are extreme rides here, and for those who prefer calm contemplation, there is an observation deck.

6. Orchard Road

Today this is a magnet for lovers of shopping and entertainment. But in the 19th century it was just an ordinary road leading to fruit and nut plantations. That is exactly when it got its name – the “road to the orchard.” Since then, though, only the name has remained, because over the past decades luxurious shopping centers have sprung up here both above and below ground.

7. Sentosa Island

Just imagine: an entire island specially set aside by the state for leisure and entertainment parks! You can get here either by regular transport or by cable car. Visitors will find all kinds of attractions on the island: luxurious beaches with sports grounds, an aquarium, a butterfly park, a dolphinarium, a wax museum, and even an observation platform that rotates around its axis.

8. Universal Studios Theme Park

Did you know that Shrek's “Far Far Away” kingdom exists in real life? So does the very zoo everyone knows from the cartoon “Madagascar.” And even “Jurassic Park,” where giant dinosaurs roam. You can find all of this at the Universal Studios theme park in Singapore! Be sure to stop by to feel as if you are on a movie set, soak up the Hollywood atmosphere, and meet your favorite characters.

9. Singapore Flyer

Until recently, this was the tallest observation wheel in the world. At 165 m, it is almost as high as six nine-story buildings stacked on top of one another! Curiously, each capsule holds 28 people, there are 28 capsules in total, and a full rotation takes exactly 28 minutes. It seems feng shui had a hand in this too :)

10. Singapore Art Museum

This museum is housed in a beautiful colonial-era building. That is not surprising, since it was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles, Singapore's first governor. In his memory, the museum preserves his personal library. But the real highlights are the finest works by Asian and European masters of painting and sculpture.